How Industrial Ethernet Is Reshaping Industries

 Figure 2.

Existing ZTNA solutions deploy gateways in the industrial demilitarized zone (iDMZ). But in distributed field networks, there is generally no space to install dedicated gateway hardware. And in larger industrial networks, where IP addresses are often reused, many OT assets sit behind network address translation (NAT) boundaries and are not visible from the iDMZ. Industrial Ethernet switches are ideally suited to be ZTNA gateways because of their proximity to OT assets, saving the undesirable cost and burden of installing dedicated ZTNA gateway hardware in each location.

4. Power over Ethernet

Industrial Ethernet provides PoE and helps make operations more sustainable. Originally gaining popularity in enterprise IT settings, power over Ethernet (PoE) is becoming increasingly common in industrial settings. However, there are significant differences between the two environments.

Industrial environments can be harsh, with extreme temperatures, dust and vibrations. Both Industrial Ethernet equipment acting as power sourcing equipment (PSE) and powered devices (PD) must be ruggedized, allow for higher power levels, adhere to stricter safety standards and be more resistant to electrical noise and interference from electromagnetic fields.

5. Enabling Industry 4.0

Industrial Ethernet enables Industry 4.0. Industry 4.0 promises to transform operations by integrating advanced technologies such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, cloud computing and robotics into industrial processes. It can help increase productivity and improve product quality through realtime data-driven decisions.

However, all this is possible only when accurate, timely process data is made available to the software applications in the data centers and cloud. Industrial Ethernet, as the conduit for network traffic, can extract relevant data, transform it into the required format, and securely transfer it to these applications.

Industrial Ethernet assists in faster datadriven decision-making. While applications in the data center and the cloud, fed by data from operations, can help derive insights and make operations decisions, there are timesensitive use cases where these decisions need to be made on the spot.

For example, in autonomous vehicles, faster capabilities can enable the real-time processing of data from sensors and cameras to make instant decisions and respond quickly to changes in environment. It can also support various smart city applications such as intelligent traffic management, public safety systems, environmental monitoring, etc.

In industrial settings, processing data locally can help monitor and control machinery and optimize processes. Traditionally, industrial PCs have been deployed to process data. However, edge-computing capabilities within Industrial Ethernet equipment can analyze data more efficiently, saving money, complexity and delays incurred in transit to offboard applications.

Industrial transformation

Industrial Ethernet has proven to be a critical component in driving transformation in various industries. Its ability to provide fast, reliable and secure communication has resulted in increased productivity, improved efficiency and enhanced decision-making processes. Industrial Ethernet has enabled the adoption of advanced technologies such as IIoT and Industry 4.0. This transformative power has led to optimized operations, reduced downtime, and ultimately, significant cost savings for businesses across the globe.